Complete 2012 Journal - 2012 NC Conference Journal

Section iV: Legislation and Reports 199
There are other spiritual encounters [opportunities] that have proven to be helpful in
understanding a call to ordained ministry such as Disciple Bible Study and Emmaus.
Events like these have awakened and provided opportunities for many to hear and respond to
God’s call.
The Committee on Enlistment encourages all pastors and laity to continue to be open to the
Holy Spirit’s leading in directing people to give thought and prayer to the possibility that
God may be calling them to ordained ministry.
Al Horne, Chairperson
Laity, Board of
The primary purpose of the Conference Board of Laity is to make known the good news of
God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ, and to challenge, inspire and equip the laity of
the North Carolina Annual Conference for ministry in the local church.
In the past year the District Lay Leaders have implemented training workshops for local
church Lay Leaders, held District Lay Rallies or other events to celebrate the ministries of
laity, and ensured that Lay Speaker Training courses were offered in their districts. Laity
Sunday was promoted on the third Sunday in October by the General Board of Discipleship,
and many congregations participated. However, because lay people are participating more in
worship services throughout the entire year “Laity Sunday” has taken on different forms in
some congregations.
Our Conference United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, and United Methodist
Youth sponsored many events aimed at spiritual enrichment, leadership development, and
education (please refer to their individual reports).
Every year the opportunity to lift up an Outstanding Lay Ministry is given to each district.
These will be celebrated at Annual Conference as we “shine the spotlight” on excellence in
ministry. (Please refer to the following report to learn more)
Once again, the Conference Board of Laity will offer a “Laity Event” to be held during
Annual Conference on Friday June 15th for an afternoon and evening session. The speaker
this year will be Dr. Gil Rendle author of many books and a nationally known speaker.
The Conference Board of Laity is an active and vital part of the fulfillment of strengthening
the lay leadership in the North Carolina Conference. The board provides a place for leaders
of laity to connect their visions and plans and also provides a forum for discussion of topics
related to denominational issues, church renewal and growth, and the making of new
disciples. Excitement continues to build as we discover fresh ways to live into our mission and
vision through servant leadership.
On a personal note, it has been my joy to serve as your Conference Lay Leader for the past
eight years. I am thankful to have had this opportunity to be in ministry among so many
supportive and loving people of God. May our work together as disciples of Jesus Christ
always bring glory to God.
Emily Innes, Conference Lay Leader 2004-2012